What to Do When Your Toilet is Blocked: A Step-by-Step Guide
Toilet blockages can occur at any moment and are a common issue for homeowners. They can be unpleasant, messy, and inconvenient and require immediate attention. However, you don’t always need to call an emergency plumber right away. In this blog, we will guide you through a few easy steps to get your toilet unclogged in no time.
Key Takeaways
- Toilet blockages are easily remediated with simple tools and methods like plungers, baking soda
The Tools You’ll Need
Before we start it’s important to be prepared with these tools:
- Rubber Gloves
- Plunger
- Baking Soda and Vinegar (Optional)
- The Hanger for Wire Coats or the Plumber Snake (Optional)
Step 1: Turn off the valve for water flow.
The first thing you need to do when facing a clogged toilet is to turn off the supply of water on the toilet. This ensures that no water can enter the tank as you try to get it unclogged. The valve is usually found near in the middle of the tank on the other side.
Step 2: Be sure to protect yourself by wearing rubber gloves.
Your hands must be protected against germs and bacteria present in your toilet bowl with rubber gloves before making use of any tools to unblock the drain.
Step 3: Use a plunger.
The plunger is by far the most effective tool for clearing up blocked toilets. First, push down gently upon the plunger until all air is removed from it, then place it firmly on the toilet bowl. Then, start to plunge continuously up and down for around 20 seconds. The suction caused by plunging back and forth will remove any blockages.
Tips:
- Be sure to use a powerful but controlled movement.
- Cover holes around sinks or shower drains if they are close by to prevent the pressure of air from escape as you plunge.
Step 4: Try baking soda with vinegar.
If plunging doesn’t work, try this next tactic Pour half a cup of baking soda and a tablespoon of vinegar in the bowl. The mixture should sit for about 15 minutes. The mixture will start to fizz, and when it stops, pour hot water down (not at a boil) to flush out the blockage.
Step 5: Use an iron coat hanger made of wire or a plumbing snake.
If plunging, baking soda or vinegar methods have failed, then it is time to try the wire coat hanger or plumbing snake. Make sure you straighten your coat hanger’s cord until you are left with a thin and long wire with an angled hook at one end or use the plumbing snake, which is specifically designed for clearing drain blockages. Put the tool in the drain hole of your toilet and twist and turn, push at the same time until you sense a resistance. it’s the place where the blockage occurs. Be gentle and try to break the blockages by using a back and forth motion but without causing any damage to the pipeline.
Note:
- Be careful not to push or pull actions with force as they may result in more damage.
Step 6: Turn on the water supply and test the result
After you have cleared any obstructions, it’s crucial to turn off the supply of water that is behind your toilet bowl once more. You should flush it a couple of times to make sure that everything is running smoothly!
| Tools | Description |
|---|---|
| Rubber Gloves | Hand protection from potential bacteria or germs present in the toilet bowl. |
| Plunger | Most effective tool for clearing up blocked toilets. Press firmly over the hole in your toilet bowl and plunge vigorously up and down for about 20 seconds. |
| Baking Soda and Vinegar | Mixture to use if plunging doesn’t work. Pour half a cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl. Let this mixture settle for about 15 minutes, then pour hot water down (not boiling) to flush out the blockage. |
| Wire Coat Hanger or Plumbing Snake | Tools to use if both plunging and baking soda/vinegar methods have failed. Straighten the wire coat hanger until you have a long thin wire with a hook bent at one end or use the plumbing snake, which is designed specifically for clearing drain clogs. |
FAQs
What can I do to tell whether my toilet is clogged?
A frequent indicators of a clogged toilet is when the water fills up to the brim after flushing. It is also possible to notice that the water drains in a slow manner, or hear gurgling sounds coming through the toilet.
What can I do if the toilet is blocked?
If you suspect that your toilet is blocked then avoid flushing it over again since this could result in flooding. Instead, turn off water flow at the valve that is behind the toilet, and use a plunger to try and remove any blockages. If that doesn’t work you can call Perth Blocked Drains Plumber for professional help.
Can I stop my toilet from becoming blocked?
Yes! There are numerous things you can do to avoid your toilet becoming blocked. One of them is to avoid flushing items that are not biodegradable, such as the sanitary products, wet wipes or cotton wool down the toilet. Also, avoid using oil or grease in the sink which can solidify and cause blockages to pipes.
When should I contact an experienced plumber about a toilet that has become blocked?
If you’ve tried to flush into your toilet, but it won’t unblock or you suspect there’s a larger issue with your plumbing system that’s causing frequent blockages, you need to seek out an experienced professional plumber such as Perth Blocked Drains Plumber . We have many years of experience tackling all kinds of plumbing problems that we can quickly detect and resolve any issues without causing any impact on your property.
How often should I schedule my drains cleared?
It’s recommended that you have clean your drains by a professional like Perth Blocked Drains Plumber every 1-2 years. This will help prevent obstructions and keep your plumbing system running smoothly. If you regularly suffer from blockages to your drains or slow draining water, despite being careful to not block them, then cleaning your drains every year could be beneficial.
These strategies are simple to execute and the majority of these items are readily available in homes. If you’re experiencing a toilet that is blocked, before worrying after trying the methods mentioned above – contact Perth Blocked Drains Plumber ‘s expert plumbers located in Perth , if you’re in search of professional assistance with the problem of blocked toilets.
Additional Information
- How CCTV Drain Inspection Can Save You Money in the Long Run
- Common Causes of Drain Blockages and How to Avoid Them
- Blocked Drain Emergency? Here’s What You Need to Know About DIY vs. Professionals
- Understanding the Technical Aspects of a CCTV Drain Inspection Report
- Save Money and Time with Preventative Drain Care Practices
- How to Tell You Need Drain Clearing Services for Your Business
- Top Reasons to Avoid DIY Drain Unblocking
- Reasons Why CCTV Drain Inspection is a Must Before Purchasing a Property
- The Benefits of CCTV Drain Inspection: Beyond Unclogging Pipes
- CCTV Drain Inspection: An Effective Way to Prevent Future Plumbing Issues
